Best scenes for lead actor noms

Eye on the Oscars: Talent Roundup 2012

DEMIAN BICHIR “A Better Life”

Carlos scans the traffic on a busy street, hoping he may spot the truck he just bought, the truck that has just been stolen, the truck that represents his chance at a piece of the American dream. He sees a police officer but knows he can’t ask for help. Despair fills his heart.

GEORGE CLOONEY “The Descendants”

After his daughter tells him his wife was unfaithful, Matt walks in a small circle, unsure what to do next. Then he knows. He runs outside, arms flailing, madly sprinting down a winding road to his sister-in-law’s house. It’s a journey made difficult (and comical) by the fact that he’s wearing loafers. “Does she love him? Who is he?” he asks upon arrival.

JEAN DUJARDIN “The Artist”

Sitting in his dressing room, George hears an explosion. It’s a tumbler hitting a desk. Suddenly, the world turns into a cacophony of sound. Showgirls laughing. Feathers hitting the ground, bursting like land mines. He panics. Then he wakes up, bathed in sweat. A nightmare, illustrative of one he’s about to live.

GARY OLDMAN“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”

Over drinks with Peter, Smiley remembers first meeting his nemesis, Soviet spy Karla, and how he tried to turn him. A haunted Smiley re-enacts the encounter, imagining Karla sitting across from him, how he gave the Russian a lighter that had been a gift from his wife, realizing both the costs and futility of his profession.

BRAD PITT “Moneyball”

Billy sits down with his scouting staff and reveals the new direction of the Oakland A’s. “We’re card counters at the blackjack table,” he tells them, throwing out players’ names to the sound of groans and complaints He’s selling himself as much as the old-schoolers, repeating why he likes the questionable players. New mantra: “He can get on base.”